120 Ton Excavator120 Ton Excavator Overview
The 120 ton excavator class is selected when the project needs open-cast mining, quarry production and high-volume loading. It is important to choose this size for the work being done because excavator productivity is driven by bucket capacity, digging depth, reach, cycle time, access and the haulage fleet available on site.
For this class, the main advantage is that it can deliver the required production more efficiently than a smaller excavator while avoiding unnecessary cost where a larger mining-class unit is not justified. It is most effective when matched with the right buckets, operator, haul trucks and site layout.
Project Plant Hire can help assess whether a 120 ton excavator is the correct choice based on material type, required depth, production target, available working area, haul distance and mobilisation requirements.
Best suited for
Open-cast mining, quarry production and high-volume loading.
Typical Applications
Open-cast mining production
120 Ton Excavator hire is suited to open-cast mining production where access, material type, haulage and production targets match the machine class.
Large-scale overburden removal
120 Ton Excavator hire is suited to large-scale overburden removal where access, material type, haulage and production targets match the machine class.
High-volume quarry loading
120 Ton Excavator hire is suited to high-volume quarry loading where access, material type, haulage and production targets match the machine class.
Major earthmoving programmes
120 Ton Excavator hire is suited to major earthmoving programmes where access, material type, haulage and production targets match the machine class.
Blasted rock handling
120 Ton Excavator hire is suited to blasted rock handling where access, material type, haulage and production targets match the machine class.
Production loading of large haul fleets
120 Ton Excavator hire is suited to production loading of large haul fleets where access, material type, haulage and production targets match the machine class.
Suitable Project Types
Open-cast mining
120 Ton Excavator hire can support open-cast mining when matched with the correct operator, attachments and support fleet.
Large quarries
120 Ton Excavator hire can support large quarries when matched with the correct operator, attachments and support fleet.
Major infrastructure
120 Ton Excavator hire can support major infrastructure when matched with the correct operator, attachments and support fleet.
Heavy earthmoving
120 Ton Excavator hire can support heavy earthmoving when matched with the correct operator, attachments and support fleet.
Mining rehabilitation
120 Ton Excavator hire can support mining rehabilitation when matched with the correct operator, attachments and support fleet.
Bulk material production
120 Ton Excavator hire can support bulk material production when matched with the correct operator, attachments and support fleet.
Machine Specifications
| Specification | Typical Class-Based Guidance |
|---|---|
| Machine Class | 120 Ton Excavator |
| Operating Weight | Large mining excavator class |
| Typical Bucket Capacity | 6.0 m³ to 8.0 m³+ |
| Typical Digging Depth | Mining / production configuration |
| Typical Engine Power | Approx. 560 kW to 760 kW |
| Best Applications | Open-cast mining, quarry production and high-volume loading |
| Common Attachments | GP bucket, rock bucket, trenching bucket, mud bucket, hydraulic breaker, ripper, auger, grapple and quick hitch where available and compatible |
| Available Brands | Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, Hitachi, Hyundai, Liebherr and equivalent machines, subject to availability |
| Quote Factors | Site location, hire duration, operator requirement, attachment needs, access, material type, haul distance and production target |
Available Attachments and What They Are For
General purpose bucket
For normal digging, loading and general earthmoving where material is not excessively abrasive or oversized.
Rock bucket
For harder, abrasive or rocky material where a stronger bucket structure and teeth are required.
Trenching bucket
For service trenches, drainage lines and narrower excavation work where width control matters.
Hydraulic breaker
For breaking rock, concrete or hard material when ripping or normal excavation is not sufficient.
Ripper
For loosening hard ground, shale or compacted layers before bucket excavation.
Quick hitch
For faster attachment changes where the machine is doing multiple types of work on the same site.
Why Choose This Excavator Size?
Reason 1
Maximum production for large-scale operations
Reason 2
Large bucket capacity reduces passes per truck
Reason 3
Best suited to managed production fleets
Reason 4
Justified where volumes and programme demand are substantial
When Not to Use a 120 Ton Excavator
Choosing the correct machine size is as important as choosing a capable supplier. A 120 ton excavator may not be the most economical choice when:
- The project is civil construction or small bulk earthworks
- Haul roads, bench space and loading areas are not suitable
- The haul fleet cannot absorb the production
- Mobilisation cost cannot be justified by volume
Recommended Fleet Pairing
The right support fleet depends on production targets, haul distance, material density and site access. These machines are commonly considered with 120 ton excavator hire:
45 Ton ADT fleet
Commonly paired with 120 Ton Excavator hire depending on haul distance, site access, material and production target.
Large rigid trucks where applicable
Commonly paired with 120 Ton Excavator hire depending on haul distance, site access, material and production target.
D10/D11 Dozer
Commonly paired with 120 Ton Excavator hire depending on haul distance, site access, material and production target.
Fuel Bowser
Commonly paired with 120 Ton Excavator hire depending on haul distance, site access, material and production target.
Water Bowser
Commonly paired with 120 Ton Excavator hire depending on haul distance, site access, material and production target.
Site support fleet
Commonly paired with 120 Ton Excavator hire depending on haul distance, site access, material and production target.
Project Plant Hire Recommendation
Practical machine selection advice
Choose the 120 ton excavator when its bucket size, reach, digging depth and loading capability match the required daily output. If the excavator is too small, haul trucks wait and production suffers. If it is too large, mobilisation, fuel and operating cost may exceed the benefit. Send us your volumes, haul distance and material type and we can help narrow the correct class.
Popular Models Available
120 Ton Excavator is supplied on a brand-neutral basis. The models below are typical equivalents for this excavator class, depending on availability and project requirements.
Caterpillar
CAT 6015 / 6030 and equivalent mining excavators.
Komatsu / Hitachi
Komatsu PC1250, Hitachi EX1200/ZX1200 and similar mining-class excavators.
Liebherr / SANY / XCMG
Liebherr R 9100/R 9150, SANY SY1250 and XCMG XE1250 class units.
Areas We Service
Project Plant Hire assists with excavator hire enquiries across key South African project regions. Availability depends on machine location, project duration, mobilisation requirements and site conditions.
Related Equipment
Browse Other Excavator Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What bucket size does a 120 ton excavator typically use?
Typical bucket capacity for a 120 ton excavator is around 6.0 m³ to 8.0 m³+. The exact bucket depends on material density, breakout force, machine model and whether a GP, rock, mud or trenching bucket is fitted.
Why would I choose a 120 ton excavator instead of a smaller excavator?
Choose the 120 ton excavator when the smaller machine cannot meet the required production, reach, digging depth, loading height or attachment requirements economically.
When is a 120 ton excavator too large for the job?
It may be too large when access is limited, quantities are small, ground conditions cannot carry the machine or mobilisation cost is not justified by the production benefit.
Can a 120 ton excavator use a hydraulic breaker?
Hydraulic breaker options may be available where the carrier machine and attachment are compatible. Breaker size must be matched to the excavator class and material.
Which trucks should be paired with a 120 ton excavator?
The ideal haulage depends on material, cycle distance and loading target. Common support may include tippers, ADTs or larger haul trucks depending on the excavator class.
Can I request CAT, Komatsu, Volvo or another brand?
You can request a preferred brand, but Project Plant Hire works brand-neutrally and supplies suitable leading-brand or equivalent machines subject to availability.
Do you supply an operator with the 120 ton excavator?
Operator and wet hire arrangements can be discussed as part of the quotation, depending on location, duration and site requirements.
What information is needed for a 120 ton excavator quote?
Send the site location, start date, hire duration, material type, required attachments, operator requirement and any production target or access restrictions.
Request 120 Ton Excavator Hire
Tell us your site location, material type, required attachments and hire duration. We will help match the correct excavator class and support fleet to your project.